Easy American Goulash (Hamburger Goulash with Elbow Macaroni)

Today I’m sharing one of the ultimate comfort food classics from my childhood—my mom’s American goulash.

It’s simple, hearty, and made with basic pantry ingredients—the kind of meal that shows up on busy weeknights, in school cafeterias, and at family tables when you just want something warm and satisfying.

This lighter, WW-friendly version stays true to the original, with just a few small tweaks to keep it aligned with your goals—without sacrificing that nostalgic flavor.

Also known as American Chop Suey, this easy one-pot dish combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato base for a cozy, budget-friendly dinner you’ll come back to again and again.

This has been one of the most popular recipes on Simple Nourished Living for years—and for good reason. Try it and you’ll see why it made the list of our most popular WW recipes of 2025.

What is American Goulash?

American goulash is a quick, one-pot comfort food made with ground beef, macaroni, and a tomato-based sauce.

It’s completely different from traditional Hungarian goulash, which is a slow-simmered stew made with chunks of beef, vegetables, and paprika.

In many parts of the U.S., this dish is also known as American Chop Suey—a nostalgic favorite often served in school cafeterias and home kitchens alike.

Why You’ll Love This Easy American Goulash

• One-pot meal = easy cleanup
• Budget-friendly pantry ingredients
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Classic comfort food flavor
• WW-friendly with just a few simple tweaks

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni – Classic, but any small pasta will work
• Olive oil – Or any neutral oil
• Extra-lean ground beef (90%+) – Keeps points lower
• Onion, chopped – Any variety
• Bell pepper, chopped – Green for tradition, others for sweetness
• Condensed tomato soup – The signature nostalgic flavor
• Diced tomatoes – I like petite diced
• Pinch of cinnamon – My mom’s special touch
• Pinch of sugar – Balances acidity
• Salt and pepper – To taste

WW-Friendly Hamburger Macaroni Goulash Calories & Points

I love how recipes like this can easily be adapted to fit the Weight Watchers program without losing what makes them special.

By using extra-lean ground beef and keeping portions in mind, you still get all the comfort and flavor—just a little lighter.

According to my calculations, each serving has about 354 calories and 8 WW Points.

To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)

9 PointsPlus (Old plan)

How to Make American Goulash

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet (affiliate link) or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and bell pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat, until beef is no longer pink and vegetables are softened (about 5–8 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato soup, cinnamon, and sugar. Simmer until heated through.
4. Add cooked macaroni and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.

Substitutions and Variations

• Change the Protein
  Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well here.
• Switch the Pasta
  Try whole wheat, gluten-free, shells, or penne.
• Add More Veggies
  Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, corn, or even beans add bulk and nutrition.
• Change the Sauce
  Tomato sauce or marinara can be used instead of tomato soup for a different flavor.
• Spice It Up
  Add chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes.
• Make It Cheesy
  Stir in a little shredded cheddar or mozzarella before serving.

What to Serve with American Goulash

Round out your meal with something simple:

• A crisp green salad
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Roasted vegetables
• A slice of warm bread (if desired)

What to Do with Leftovers

This is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave (affiliate link). If it thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or water.

You can also freeze portions for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Leftovers can even be turned into a quick hamburger macaroni soup by adding broth.

If you’ve made this American Beef Goulash, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

FAQs About American Goulash

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats beautifully and often tastes better the next day.

Can I freeze hamburger goulash?
Absolutely. Store in airtight containers for up to a month.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes—ground turkey is a great lighter option.

Why use tomato soup instead of sauce?
Tomato soup gives this dish its classic creamy, slightly sweet flavor that many of us grew up with.

More WW-Friendly Ground Beef Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like some of my other easy, comfort-food favorites:

• Southwestern Hamburger Goulash – a spicier twist on this classic
• Easy Hamburger Macaroni Soup – warm, simple, and satisfying
• Weight Watchers Taco Soup – big flavor with minimal effort
• Lightened-Up Meatloaf – a longtime reader favorite
• One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta – another longtime reader favorite you make in a single skillet

Want help with meal planning?

Here’s a weekly WW Dinner Menu featuring this Classic Hamburger Goulash. (You’ll find this dish featured in several of my Weight Watchers weekly meal plans—a great tool to stay organized and on track.)

Want More Easy WW-Friendly Comfort Food Recipes?

If you love recipes like this Easy American Hamburger Goulash you’ll find even more WW-friendly comfort food favorites in my Ultimate eCookbook Bundle.

It’s packed with simple, family-tested recipes designed to make healthy eating both easier and more enjoyable.

++ Get the Ultimate eCookbook Bundle here ++